moss grotto

Friday, July 15, 2011

NEVER too late to learn NEW TRICKS!

Since the change over from Flowers and gifts of Moss Industry to the NEW 'MOSS GROTTO' I've been overwhelmed by the interest in my paintings instore.

With a fresh re-launch of interiors and homewares I've been inspired to paint again!

Some pieces sit at home unfinished or on hold....but the paint is out and the canvases are ready to go.

My Mother Libby who works at Moss Grotto on Sundays has a shy hidden talent for oils and has been off the brushes for too long! Amazingly talented in any creative venture she takes on I decided to bite the bullet and enroll us in a painting course.Starting Monday in Geelong at the Arts Society we both hope to be brave and build our confidence in all things involving paint and brushes.Should be fun!
The pieces below are some I still have and some sold long ago.When I look at them it's nice to remember where I was at in my life.All of them hold a memory for me which is always so nice....
Enjoy!

This portrait above is my Mum.(1999)

This paint colour of the girls changed so many times.The pink and red came together after many layers of paint. (SOLD) Started(2002) Completed (2006)

Mother and Daughter.(2002)$500

60's Sun Hat (2007) One of my favourites and sadly not for sale.She sits in our lounge at home and often gets moved around.

Old Neighbour/Friend of mine Krista Vendy.Photo Shoot in St.Kilda for New Weekly Magazine(2000)
Painting above her is called Lovers.Not for sale.

This painting is nameless and not finished.She sits in our hall.I promise myself everytime I walk up our stairs - that I WILL finish it soon.

'Sun Kissed' $650 (2002)

(2002)Sold.Owner Andrea Orchard of Barwon Heads.

Sketch from home.

Aboriginal Cowgirl from Western Australia.Sketched in Charcoal.

Keep an eye out for new works that will slowly work their way into Moss Grotto over the coming months.

Some of my works here are still around and some sold.I like to look at them sometimes because I remember where I was at when I did them.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Late SPRING window and threads at MOSS GROTTO

Magic windows make you stop!

I once read that your store window is your "silent sales person"!

A store window is your tool to draw people in.Without it being fabulous and eye catching, people will simply walk past and not stop!

I want people to stop,look and enjoy.

Coming up with something new each month - keeps me on my "creative toes"!

This is my Spring window which I loved.I used the same teal blue as my background wall in the shop.I thought painting up an image of a giant peacock would go perfectly together with the use of such a dramatic colour!

Threads of teal blue wool was used to add detail to the window.Wrapped around each yellow mossed branch the colours together looked fantastic.

I thought a giant peacock would really draw attention.

I love these silk threads inside the chemist bottles.I collect these now and put them inside a jar next to my desk.The colours make me feel good.Maybe down the track I'll do something else with them?

Silk threads.................

Red threads................

Collection of threads.............

Blue threads..............

Silk threads with silver detail $15 - $20ea Perfect to for hanging off a decorative key from a draw set.Available in a variety of colours.

Giant balls of apple green jute.$28ea.

Painting named - 'Swept'.

Medium used is acrylic paint in 2 tones of soft apple green, white paints in chalk and vivid white.

Sold to my good friend and Barwon Heads local - Claire Greig.She found the perfect spot for it in her daughters room.

The gorgeous little blue eyed "Sophia".

Paper mache hand painted bowls from Mexico($70) sit next to these porcelain white birds $59.95.

Mildura grape dipping buckets $50ea.They still have remains of the Mildura orange dust.I love that!

Glass bud bottles with wire to hang - come in 3 sizes from $9.50ea.

Threads in green tones..................

And..........

On your next visit to Melbourne,take the time to "look up"!

Take your eyes away from the store windows for a minute or two and enjoy what's above them.

You'll be amazed by the wonderful building fascades that gracefully sit on top.Take a photo and send them to me at my blog.

All entries will be posted on my blog!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Something to brighten up an ICY WINTERS DAY!!

With the trade fair approaching I'm getting excited for another buying frenzy!

In search of new and amazing pieces that will make you fall in love.

A buying experiece for me is like being transported back to my travel days.Wandering through the Istanbul Grand Bazaar in Turkey, or down an alley way nestled in the tiny back streets of Athens.

From bright and exciting to smooth and sensual.....I hope to keep teasing your interior cravings at MOSS GROTTO.

Here are some images that will whet your interior/fashion taste buds!

This chandelier is amazing! I love everything about it, especially the colour and the way it falls.I'm determined to make one or at least get my Mother to attempt it with her talent in ceramics.

I love this bathroom!! It's exactly how I plan to design the bathroom when we build our new home.Clean and simple and using one of the many mirrors I've collected over the years.

                  This beautiful powder pink room is from a friends house.
                 It's her new palette of pink.Daring,warm and gorgeous.
                          White hand carved cross made in India -
                       Available from MOSS GROTTO. $220

South of the border and fabulous!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Owner of MOSS GROTTO Alex.O'Halloran finds inspiration from home.

My temporary painting area and a new painting I'm working on.

People always ask me what my home is like.They ask if it's the same as

MOSS GROTTO.

Sadly I'd love to be able to say yes, but in my head I see........" magazines stacked high,too many clothes to put away,my unfinished art and unwanted beach sand on our staircase. However, I do have areas at home that are my favourite little corners.

Corners that give me inspiration.

This shot of a little aboriginal boy was a gift to my husband John from me.I took this on one of our trips to the Northern Territory.He was looking down at the water from a rocky face.

It was the perfect moment.After we chatted I asked him if he would mind if I took a quick photo.Magic!

Stairwell treasures.

This print was purchased on a trip to see my Dad in Noosa.I found it years ago amongst some antiques at the Eumundi Butter Factory and fell in love with it the moment I saw it.I never get tired of her.She's calm and perfect for our bedroom.Amazingly in all my house moves.....she's still in one piece.

This old oil painting book is my favourite.

This little corner of the house is where my easel sits.Unframed work and unfinished sketches.Some done for warming up and others because I love charcoal.This little corner is very messy!!

This is the same "little messy corner".A collection of bags.One made by my grandmother Avis.Powell.

An unframed painting from Bali....

I love this shot.I think it's Marilyn Monroe?She has a real woman's butt.This photo makes me feel human.It sits on our sidetable.

This is one of my favourite area's on my book shelf.This head is a sculptural piece by my Mum's Uncle Don.He passed away recently, but will be remembered for his incredible work and fabulous sense of humour.

The photo is of Mum and me.

A gold etching of Mum's from the 70's.

This little area in our stair well is home to the things I've collected over the years.One of my favourite pieces are my Mexican rosary beads found on my travels in Mexico.Nothing on here has a function.....I just love to look at them each time I walk upstairs.

Enjoy!